I really like the "power-reverser" that JD uses on their gear tractors. I even find it more efficient than a hydro for doing loader work. My JD "power reverser" tractor has 12 speeds, split into three ranges (A, B, and C). I find that I can maximize loader efficiency by operating the tractor in 9th gear (1st in the "C" range), and the dash throttle set at minimum. That 9th gear is usually just right for transport, where speed can be controlled with the foot throttle. Just prior to stabbing into the dirt or other material pile, I downshift into the "A" range. That puts the tractor into 1st gear, where it's maximum power can be obtained when it is really needed (along with maximum foot throttle if necessary). If I need to cross some rough terrain, I shift into the "B" range, which puts the tractor into 5th gear (just right for crossing ditches, etc.).
This method really simplifies the loader-work task, by only requiring the operation of a single lever with the left hand (no touching of the gear-shift lever, just the range selector). Anyone who has done any loader work will know that there is always one hand available for tasks, while the other is on the steering wheel, so only needing to mess with one left-hand lever is a huge plus.
Prior to, or shortly after backing out of the pile, the tractor is shifted back into the "C" range for transport at optimum efficiency. I do use the clutch for those C range - A range / A-range - C-range shifts, but I am not sure it would be necessary, because the left foot is not busy then anyhow.
I have finally learned how to optimally operate this tractor for loader work but, it's primary function is bush-hogging, plowing and disking, all of which are performed, at various gears, in the "B" range. All of these tasks may require the tractor's maximum available pto and drawbar hp at times. Also, these operations are all best performed at a constant speed which make it no contest, in favor of the gear tractor. I never use the other gears available in the "A" range and the only time I use other gears in the "C" range, is the top (12th), for road transport.
The main reason that this JD gear tractor is more efficient than a hydro, for loader work, is the hydro carries with it a 6 - 15% deduction in available drawbar horsepower. That means that less available power for putting into a pile, a time when all of the tractor's available power and traction may be called upon. Normally, the hydro shines here by providing the optimum speed at all times. I need all the power I can get because my tractor is the lowest powered of it's particular class of JD tractors. I always have had plenty however, and have often wondered why folks fork out all that extra cash for the higher powered machines. I guess a lot of them are making up for the hydro deduction, or perhaps, the extra power needed to run an air-conditioned cab.
The one place that I definitely recognize the superiority of a hydro is for lawn-mowing. I used one of them for a few years. It had the same engine hp and several inches narrower cut than the gear tractor that I use now, yet could always get the lawn cut in considerably less time. Right now, I am shopping for a hydro, zero turn mower, which should solve that problem.
